Where do you start looking for a Decent Horse?

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springcollection

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After a succession of sick, lame, potential killers and hot horses I again find myself just venturing out with the daunting task of buying another horse! Where do you start? Private - You don't have as much come back as you do with a Dealer, as I'm in Kent Dealers???? less said the better - so do I trawl through the ads and hope that the description is somewhere near horse being shown, mount an unknown quantity and wait for the explosion! Any advice given or peoples experiences would be carefully pondered :eek: What should be exciting is just daunting to me when all I want is a normal middle of the road horse to have a bit of fun on!
 
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It is very russian roulette when buying horses. I usually take my daughter (shes 19) or a very good rider friend who rides them first, (they do tend to see what reactions they get from too) then if i like them i have a go. I'm just a big wimp but i like to see someone else ride the horse after the owner has, cos we all know you can mask a lot when you know the horse.
 
If you find out tell me :) horse number one did it all properly, found a lovely private seller who still keeps in touch, had my instructor come and see him, had him vetted but just never bonded with him and lost my nerve. Horse number two bought on one viewing with no vetting from a dealer who imported him and he's turning out to be awesome :)
 
You are looking for what most people really want, a nice sensible allrounder, so first thing to do is make a list of what are non negotiable requirements, then the possibly could live with, then the absolute must not.
Stick with the list and make sure you do not get into the stage where you read every ad trying to make the horse fit, weed out the ones that are never going to suit and only contact those that may. I like to phone, speaking to the person can give you a feel, how they answer the questions can be very telling, a hesitation before saying it is perfect to catch may mean as long as he is in the right mood;)
When you go to try watch the seller ride, no excuses about bad backs or you will be fine he never bucks, get them to show you how he is in an arena and also in a field/ on the road before you get on and try, if you are not happy make an excuse and leave.

There are genuine people selling genuine horses it just takes time trawling through the ads, making calls and being single minded to find the right one.

If you list your basic requirements on here there are plenty of people who will do some searching for you:)
 
It's called pot luck I'm afraid.

I consider myself experienced with a good eye for a horse.

I went out 2 years ago with a decent amount of money for a nice but not top class horse.

I thought I had bought such an animal, and literally everyone that see's him falls in love. He really is that elusive type that is hard to find.

1 month after purchase he developed a stringhalt. Over the course of the summer he was up and down (felt viral) and the following year it became clear he had a mild pollen allergy/allergic asthma. More recently he has been diagnosed as cushings. I now own a LOU 7yo.

All you can do is go out with a sum of money you can afford to loose. Keep your eyes open, ask sensible questions and go with your gut. In horses you need to accept you win some, you loose some. Don't rule out private or dealers, there are good and bad from both. Most of all I would ask around locally as you may well find something on your doorstep that isn't advertised.
 
Word of mouth is good. Ask trainers or riding club. Ask for recommendations of someone who made deals in a small way and has a good reputation.
 
Please feel free to drop me a PM with your budget? I have a lovely Winningmood gelding and a lovely Verdi mare in and can source to your requirements? Thanks
 
Thankyou Bepositive I will start on my lists!!!

my perfect horse would be
16.2hh ish mare 8years forward going snaffle mouth has done a bit of xc/sj and been schooled to a give a nice walk trot canter. Not spooky and vice free. Loads into a trailer and ties up. Full vetting to be done.
Looking at todays prices I would expect to pay £2,500 after a haggle!

but breed height age are variable lol

Am I being unrealistic ?:confused:
 
With that wish list your haggling skills will need to be good:)

As I said you are wanting, apart from more people probably would put gelding not mare, the most sought after type and even in a poor market these will hold a certain value, work out where you can compromise and there are nice horses to be found if you are prepared to spend time looking.
 
I am planning to sell just that sort of horse in a few months time when she has finished being a nanny, the only bit that is different is that she is 6 not 8 but I would be a bit insulted by being offered £2,500 for her.

I think you may need to either increase your budget or be prepared to take on something a little bit green even in today's market.
 
Not quite in your area but this site is really useful with enough new ones coming on to be active but still small enough to keep up with, if you go on 14.2 and over there are a few around your budget and criteria, a lovely sounding 7 year old mare on page 1 at £2500.

www.nfed.co.uk
 
Will rethink price but on the whole looking at not wanting a high flyer didn't really want to be paying more than 3000.

And my wish list started with over 16hh safe and sound lol!!!
 
springcollection said:
Thankyou Bepositive I will start on my lists!!!

my perfect horse would be
16.2hh ish mare 8years forward going snaffle mouth has done a bit of xc/sj and been schooled to a give a nice walk trot canter. Not spooky and vice free. Loads into a trailer and ties up. Full vetting to be done.
Looking at todays prices I would expect to pay £2,500 after a haggle!

but breed height age are variable lol

Am I being unrealistic ?:confused:
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I think that's a 4k horse in my neck of the woods to be brutally honest!
 
Jesstickle said:
I think that's a 4k horse in my neck of the woods to be brutally honest!
Click to expand...

Unless it's got a major flaw or is very untouched, easily... We're hardly in the big money part of the country either.

We paid your budget for a 15.2hh 8yo TB, who had done very little (no 'proper' XC, not much schooling, but had a few SJ outings under his belt, and had hunted once). If he'd had the XC/ basic schooling properly under his belt, we'd have been paying easily double what we did...
 
This is my first thread on here and as am in a confused state and on the brink of giving up with horse which have been my absolute life, you guys are being very informative - Be positive I have gone on suggested site and found this mare which I am going to make an enquiry about (I had a strictly no tb on my list BUT (LOL) she hasn't raced so any thoughts?

16.1 dressage/showing mare


Category: Over 14.2hh Offered Click to view ad 93152 full screen for printing or sharing
Advert No: 93152
Posted: 16/06/2013
Location: Dee Johnson
Wokefield, Reading
Berks
Contact: 447532268877
Send an Email to the advertiser
Web Site:




Description
Super quality 16.1hh bay mare, 9yo, unraced TB by Witness Box,fantastic temperament, good paces and flatwork, jumped in previous home. Snaffle mouthed. Hacks alone or in company. Good in traffic. Lots of potential. Ideal RC/Teenagers PC/mother daughter share. Placed unaff dressage/showing every time out. Event prospect with further schooling. Good to box, shoe, clip, etc. Teeth, worming, back & vaccs up to date. Very much loved but I am no longer able to ride since I had a shoulder op.
£2000
Tel: 0753 2268877
 
springcollection said:
Thankyou Bepositive I will start on my lists!!!

my perfect horse would be
16.2hh ish mare 8years forward going snaffle mouth has done a bit of xc/sj and been schooled to a give a nice walk trot canter. Not spooky and vice free. Loads into a trailer and ties up. Full vetting to be done.
Looking at todays prices I would expect to pay £2,500 after a haggle!

but breed height age are variable lol

Am I being unrealistic ?:confused:
Click to expand...

I think you are being unrealistic with that budget - I would think twice that amount is more reasonable. Is there a reason you are looking for an 8 year old? I was looking for a 7-8 year old when I was looking but found a horse that ticked every box, but was 5. I wouldn't swap him for the world. You might have more chance of finding something within your budget if you look for a young horse that will become your perfect horse, rather than finding one that is ready made.
 
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I liked the 7 year old but this tb mare does sound nice, well educated, probably a genuine reason for sale worth a call definitely. Just make sure you see someone else on her before you get on if the owner cannot ride.

I also thought you were unrealistic but having looked on this site, which I have used to buy and sell, I was surprised to see several that were pretty much what you want, they may not be the right one but the ads sound good.
 
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Yes I also like the look of the 7 year old and will make an enquiry tomo, many txs. Re: the age I guess I didn't want to go too young as last year had to sell a youngster as I became ill and wasn't able to ride consistently enough to keep it going so thought a slightly older one so if It needed to be put in a field for a week no probs? But am open to all scenarios as have bred, broken and competed in years gone by. Just interested in peoples thoughts :)
 
I am looking for something similar to you with the same budget, but after much wasted money and time viewing horses, I've been told I should be looking to spend between £4k-£6k! There is no way I have that much money, so I am now considering getting an unbroken youngster and using the remainder of my budget to send it away to be professionally broken as I haven't found anything that suits and I wouldn't say I was being particularly picky! I think the decent horses between the ages of 8 - 10 retain their value and sell quickly.

Good luck with your search!
 
As you waant something middle of the road have you tried the pony club classifieds? Likely to find something that's been exposed to loads, but may have to compromise say on age. Don't write off an older horse, something 15 could have at least 10 years left & plenty of experience.

Also agree that a good, safe horse will hold their value. If you want to pay less, compromise will be needed.
 
Your budget is probably a bit short but you could be lucky and be in the right place at the right time you never know. My mare was about 1500 less than she should have been advertised at. She was only 4 and I think had probably got the best of her older rider and scared her hence she wanted her away, she has never admitted this but having had her for 8 months now I've worked it out myself! With a bit of work on my part I have a horse that is easily worth 2grand more than I paid. I did not want to have to do the work incidentally, not because I couldn't, just because these days I wanted something safe and sensible, which she now is. So depending on your abilities you could buy something greener and sort it out yourself.
 
I'm finding from window shopping, that your horse list (pretty much the same as mine except I hunt for geldings and 16.3hh+) that the price range is at least £3.5k. Unfortunately I'm not in a solid enough financial position to spend a large chunk of my savings but I hope when I'm looking later in the year, prices reduce in the depths of winter!
 
If you have the experience, go for a youngster. I'd be wary of ever buying a ready made horse, although we're very lucky with the backed but green pony we currently have on loan. All our own have been bought as youngsters and brought on. Cheaper to buy, although of course you do have the costs of running on until ready to ride - 3 years and counting with one of mine.

My preference now is to buy foals straight from the breeder. yes it's a gamble of course, but the right bloodlines and good conformation as a foal, bring it up the right way, and you're in with a great chance of getting the horse or pony of your dreams.

Am currently eagerly awaiting the birth of our next potential pony, due next month!
 
Pot luck Im afraid - I've had friends that have searched and searched for the perfect horse - got it home passing all vet checks for it to go tits up a month after!

My ex racer was a gamble - 4 year old just off the track (raced the month before) - only got asked for very small donation to their charity (not the normal procedure it was a one off) ad couldnt have asked for a better animal - calm as a cucumber, hacks out alone/company, doesnt spook - in fact I'd trust a child to ride her down the main road :D
 
After getting it wrong twice in the last year due to people telling lies upon lies about their horses, I would recommend taking your time, having the horse vetted and instead of ringing people for a reference of the actual horse, ring for a reference of the sellers themselves!
Horsequest is a good website as is the pony club website. Word of mouth even better.
- Never really know what you have bought 'til you get it home though... Good Luck! :)
 
ihatework said:
It's called pot luck I'm afraid.

I consider myself experienced with a good eye for a horse.

I went out 2 years ago with a decent amount of money for a nice but not top class horse.

I thought I had bought such an animal, and literally everyone that see's him falls in love. He really is that elusive type that is hard to find.

1 month after purchase he developed a stringhalt. Over the course of the summer he was up and down (felt viral) and the following year it became clear he had a mild pollen allergy/allergic asthma. More recently he has been diagnosed as cushings. I now own a LOU 7yo.

All you can do is go out with a sum of money you can afford to loose. Keep your eyes open, ask sensible questions and go with your gut. In horses you need to accept you win some, you loose some. Don't rule out private or dealers, there are good and bad from both. Most of all I would ask around locally as you may well find something on your doorstep that isn't advertised.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about your horse Ihatework. It really is amine field out there. I have found a new little horse and he is really super although only 4. He is coming on a treat and he was local to me as well.
 
I have to agree re: budget. I bought a horse nearly three years ago that fits your wish list except he's a gelding and I paid £5,500. I think prices have gone down since then though and if you didn't mind a thoroughbred they are cheaper. An 8 year old is a popular age and if you go younger or quite a bit older you will find the prices come down.

My horse is cob cross and to me he was worth every penny. It took me 3 months to find him and you have to be quick of the mark and phone up and be able to go and see horses quickly as soon as the ads appear. I phoned up about dozens but, after asking lots of questions on the phone, I didn't look at many. Prepare a list of questions to ask on the phone. Ask open questions i.e. 'What she's like hacking?' instead of 'Is she good to hack?' and ask people to 'tell me about her?'. I was surprised how many times people said something which put me off going to see the horse but I was being very fussy.

Good luck, I hope you find the right horse.
 
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